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The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) has evolved its offerings over its 150-year history, expanding to include digital resources such as e-books, games, and online databases, in addition to physical materials. The library, which began as the first free library in 1871, has grown into a community hub and has modernized its building to meet contemporary needs. In addition to offering content, the GRPL also serves as a community space, hosting a variety of events and activities for different interest groups and age ranges, and is exploring future expansion possibilities such as a board game collection and further digital content.
Adapting to Change: How The Grand Rapids Public Library Serves Its Community
The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) continually enhances its services to cater to the needs of its patrons. Its collection now boasts a diverse range of materials like e-books, digital assets, and games, keeping pace with technology evolution and community demands.
Established in 1871, GRPL’s Main Library marked the inception of free access to literature for Grand Rapids residents. It eventually became a learning and knowledge hub. In 1904, it moved to its permanent location on Library Street and has since been a community landmark. To serve the vast Grand Rapids community, numerous neighborhood branches were set up over the years.
“GRPL branches understand neighborhood needs well. With walkable locations and familiar staff, accessibility is ensured,” says Jennifer Andrew, a librarian at the Grand Rapids History Center on the Main Library’s fourth floor.
The Main Library has undergone multiple improvements over the years but remains a beacon of knowledge and learning in the community. Its collection now includes digital media, and the infrastructure has been modernized for today’s visitors. But its dedication to community service remains strong.
The Modern GRPL
Apart from physical materials, the library offers an extensive collection of digitized content and online resources. It has become a preferred destination for those seeking to expand their knowledge.
“Our online databases offer vast resources for research, besides Hoopla (for streaming books, movies, etc.), and Libby for e-books. While we are still recovering from the pandemic effect, there has been enormous growth in e-books and e-audiobooks circulation,” says Erin Hart, librarian I of the youth services department.
Besides its extensive content library, GRPL also provides a welcoming space for those seeking refuge. It is increasingly becoming a community space, more than just a book repository.
GRPL staff have coined a nickname for its enthusiasts: Power Users. But they also strive to engage people who aren’t connected to the library, through extensive community outreach.
“We offer services to underprivileged who could, for instance, go on to become the next Google expert. They wouldn’t have had those services if it weren’t for (GRPL),” says Angela Black, library assistant II, who has been with the GRPL for 16 years.
GRPL also hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year to cater to various interests and age groups, including storytime events for children and skill-building activities like ‘Mindstorms Saturdays’. History enthusiasts can enjoy the “History Detectives”, an award-winning day-long event featuring local historians, as per GRPL’s website.
GRPL also provides public and private spaces for kids, teens, and adults. The kids’ area encourages fun-filled activities and isn’t restricted to quiet reading.
The Future of GRPL
GRPL has been expanding in unique ways like updating the library’s look. “Libraries won’t disappear; they will evolve. Our community should know that libraries will adapt but not vanish,” Black adds.
Some of the recent changes include increasing the board game collection and growing the vinyl collection. The Friends of the Library book sale, paused due to the pandemic, made a successful return in October 2022.
Future events include mainstays like Black History Month in February, the summer reading challenge, Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall, and other programs often oriented towards youth and fostering a love for reading.
Are you one of the 40,000+ GRPL cardholders, or have you yet to join? What is your next chapter? Find out more about the Rapid Growth’s Voices of Youth Project here.
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